“This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every
person he puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only
he can see."- Corrie TenBoom
Family Life
It is hard to believe we have been here in Uganda for almost 3
years. It doesn’t seem possible that we
will be leaving soon, our work is finishing and God has new plans for us. Whatever those plans are, (staying in the States
or ministering in another foreign land).
We have learned to trust in His perfect timing and that His plans are
always the best! God is working
everywhere in His world. We need to just
look around us, see where He is working, take steps of faith, and be available
for Him to use… He will do the rest.
This month has been all about the shift (Ugandan term for move).
We had our big yard sale and sold almost everything. We have a few small items left that we will
give to our village friends right before our departure. A young couple that came to adopt has
purchased almost all our furniture and has been living with us for the last 6
weeks. So, it is time for us to move
again.
We are moving into a small-furnished apartment on a church
compound this weekend for the remainder of our stay. It is a tiny, but comfortable apartment. This
move will be perfect for consolidating the remainder of our belongings. The compound has plenty of security guards
and we will have no worries in that department.
We can focus on working in the village and packing what is left. This will be our 7th move since
this journey began when we sold our home.
We can almost pack in our sleep now. LOL
The Apartment where we began |
When we arrived in July of 2014 we briefly used the apartment
and furniture left behind by the Luckey’s.
The apartment we are moving into now is about the same size as the one
we stayed in when we first arrived. How
funny to find the Luckey’s furniture is now in the new apartment too. It only seems fitting to go out the same way
we came in!
It has been a
roller coaster of emotions lately. The
goodbyes or see you later’s have started. Hard, but feeling
so blessed to have made such special friendships!
This sweet girl, Rachel, was my interpreter when I arrived in
Uganda and worked by my side for our first year. She traveled quite a distance
to come spend some last sweet memories together with us. She protected us (when
we made cultural mistakes) loved us unconditionally and helped us in so many
ways. God gave us a little angel to help
us!
Ministry
It is sometimes
hard to step back and watch the nationals lead without getting involved. But, we must say, they are doing a great
job! The school is running properly and
they are in the middle of correctly registering the school for the first time. We are so glad to have been a part of
building a good school in Naigobya and giving kids a better chance of a good
education.
The Men and
Women’s Bible studies are going strong!
Womens
ministries (Sewing, Beading & Pad project) are working hard and strong as
well.
God didn’t say
this journey to Uganda would be easy.
And it wasn’t! We have traveled
through some very difficult things. This
mission and ministry God was leading us through was not about us. It was about the poor, desperate and lost,
which He cares deeply about! Seeing how different this village is
now and how God has developed and changed it, truly is a blessing that we are
so thankful we could be a part of.
God did
Amazing work, not only in the village, but in us as well! All the good and the growth we experienced
far outweigh any tough times we endured. There is no way we could have done all
the wonderful things for this community on our own. Our view was so limited. God not only transformed a village and gave
them a future and a hope; He taught and transformed us. We learned more about ourselves: it’s not
about us, it’s not easy, and don’t let the negativity or sins of the people you
are trying to reach prevent you from ministering to them. But, most importantly we have learned our
need to just follow Him. God is already ahead of any plans we have.
Serving Our KING
together with you!
Bruce & Janine